Today officially marks the end of the Southside state of emergency that was enacted a month ago. The SOE was implemented on July 28th in three areas of Belize city, after tensions between George Street, Taylors Alley and South Side Gangs resulted in three murders. Almost 30 gang members who were picked up during the course of the SOE were released from the Belize Central prison today.
Also released today was reported gang leader, 31 year old Alex Underwood who was picked up on July 26th before the SOE came into play. He was charged for being a member of a gang - which stirred great controversy. After his detention Underwood's family was told that the only way they could get him out is if they seek High Court bail. But that hearing never happened - until the SOE was finished. Today Underwood was granted bail of $10,000.
The Crown had objected to bail, but Underwood's attorney Dickie Bradley managed to convince Justice Lord that his client should be given bail. Underwood, is the owner of Port Loyola Football Club.
